Ahead of Sunday's game against San Francisco, the Washington Redskins will honor former quarterback and radio broadcaster Sonny Jurgensen for his 54 years of dedication to the organization.
Jurgensen's association with the Redskins began as a player in 1964. Over the next 11 seasons in Washington, Jurgensen's made four Pro Bowl appearances, earned first-team All-Pro twice and became one of the greatest Redskins quarterbacks of all-time. He currently ranks second in franchise history in career passing yards (22,585), completions (1,831) and touchdowns (179), which is especially impressive considering passing was much more difficult during his playing era.
In 1983, Jurgensen was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Almost immediately after his playing career ended in 1974, Jurgensen became a color commentator for CBS and then for WMAL starting in 1981. He went on to call Redskins games for the next 38 seasons, first with Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Sam Huff and sportscaster Frank Herzog and most recently with Voice of the Redskins Larry Michael and former Redskins Chris Cooley and Richard "Doc" Walker. Jurgensen announced his retirement from professional football before the Redskins' preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns on Aug. 8.
"I've decided to hang up my headphones and my clipboard. It's been a great 55 years in Washington," Jurgensen said in a statement regarding his retirement from broadcasting. "I want to thank our Redskins fans for being so generous to me and our teams; we owe it all to you."
Jurgensen will return to FedExField on Sunday afternoon for the Redskins' Alumni Homecoming game against the San Francisco 49ers. The Redskins will recognize Jurgensen pregame, and at halftime they'll induct former offensive lineman Chris Samuels (2000-09) as the 51st member of the Ring of Fame.
Find out more information about the game -- and anything else related to Redskins' Fantennial Weekend commemorating the NFL's 100th season -- HERE.
